Perceptions of Libraries, 2010: Context and Community

OCLC's membership report, Perceptions of Libraries, 2010, a sequel to the 2005 Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, is now available. The new report provides updated information and new insights into information consumers and their online habits, preferences, and perceptions. Particular attention was paid to how the current economic downturn has affected the information-seeking behaviors and how those changes are reflected in the use and perception of libraries.

This OCLC membership report explores:

Technological and economic shifts since 2005

Lifestyle changes Americans have made during the recession, including increased use of the library and other online resources

How a negative change to employment status impacts use and perceptions of the library

Perceptions of libraries and information resources based on life stage

The report is based on U.S. data from an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of OCLC. OCLC analyzed and summarized the results in order to produce this report.